Great American Family Announces the Return of Fan-Favorite Super Bowl Alternative

To celebrate International Dog Day on Aug. 26, Great American Family is announcing the return of the Great American Rescue Bowl in 2025.

The third annual event will be broadcast on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 9, 2025) in partnership with the North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization.

Formerly known as The Kitten Bowl and previously airing on Hallmark Channel, Great American Family snapped up the purr-fect program when Hallmark dropped the event in 2022. The Bill Abbott -led upstart network aired its first Rescue Bowl in 2023 and we can't wait to see what's in store for 2025.

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What is the Great American Rescue Bowl ?

Much like late music superstar Prince , the Great American Rescue Bowl was formerly known as The Kitten Bowl . The special is cat- and dog-filled gridiron throw down of pets looking for their fur-ever homes. The two-hour adoption event offers a fun and furry alternative to the Super Bowl and includes adult dogs and cats as well as puppies and kittens playing on a football-themed stage. Between the turnovers and touchdowns, the special features heartwarming stories of pet lives saved through fostering.

Great American Rescue Bowl's goal is to create awareness for pet adoption and revealing the beautiful pets available in shelters right in your own neighborhood.

“Saving pet lives has been a personal mission of mine for more than a decade and North Shore Animal League America is a profound partner in saving as many homeless pets as possible each year,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “I am always grateful to showcase these cuddly animals available for adoption because every life saved brings us one step closer to emptying the shelters forever,” Abbott added.

What is the North Shore Animal League America?

North Shore Animal League America is the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization. Based out of Port Washington, New York, the non-profit organization helps to find fur-ever homes for both dogs and cats of all ages.

How can I watch Great American Rescue Bowl ?

The Great American Rescue Bowl will air exclusively on Great American Family.

When does Great American Rescue Bowl 2025 premiere?

The 3rd Annual Great American Rescue Bowl will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 9 at noon. ET on Great American Family.

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What time is The Kitten Bowl ?

Now called the Great American Rescue Bowl , the cat- and dog-themed Super Bowl alternative premieres Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, at noon ET on Great American Family.

Who hosts the Great American Rescue Bowl ?

Renowned animal advocate, bestselling author and Animal League America Board member, Beth Stern , who has personally placed more than 2,000 fosters over the years, returns to host the Great American Rescue Bowl in 2025.

Who are the players in this year's Great American Rescue Bowl ?

Names of the players have yet to be announced, but we do know Doodlebug the Cat and Nippy the Dog will be vying to be "Top Dog"!

Are the animals on Great American Rescue Bowl available for adoption?

All cats, dogs, kittens and puppies in the Great American Rescue Bowl are available for adoption although some may have already found their forever homes by the time the special airs.

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